The reviews have poured in on the new 328i – BMW’s first 3-series with a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine. However, all the enthusiasts want to know about this car, the 335i M-Sport. Full details in the video from AutoSpies:

BMW just announced changes to their 3-series coupe lineup. Starting with the 2011 model year, and available in march, the new 335i comes with the new N55 engine. This engine differs from the old N54 engine by using a single twin scroll turbocharger and adding Valvetronic variable intake control. Output remains at the original 335i levels – 300hp and 300 ft-lbs of torque. Many internal and external elements have been updated in this mid-cycle refresh of the three-series – new front and rear lights featuring new LED’s, redesign front and rear fascias and side skirts complete the new look. On the interior, many of the updates received in last year’s sedan refresh are seen in the coupes.

Even more exciting, is the announcement of a brand new model, the 335is. The 335is has an upgraded version of the original N54 powerplant. Still feature twin turbos, the engine now puts out 320hp and 332ft-lbs of torque. An overboost function allows the engine to generate 370ft-lbs for a short period of time. Along with the manual six-speed transmission, the 335is has an optional 7-speed, dual-clutch gearbox like the M3. To handle the extra power and boost, there is an additional radiator, oil cooling pan and stronger engine mounts.

Setting the 335is apart visually from the 335i, it gets M-sport features including M-sport aerodynamics, M steering wheel, sport seats, anthracite headliner, M door sills, M driver’s footrest, M gearshift knob, and stainless steel sport pedal.

BMW hosted an event called BMW Comparison Drive. At the event, BMW allowed us to compare their 3 series (323i, 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335d Diesel) against the all-wheel drive versions of the Audi A4, Lexus IS 250 and Mercedes-Benz C300. It was a  cloudy day, but the track was dry – it threatened to rain but never did.

The event started with a 30 minute presentation about BMW and the various technologies they use. Not much new information was conveyed but the information was very pro-BMW. However, they did a good job and all the information was based on facts. Since they were comparing all the all-wheel drive cars, it’s important to note that the BMW xDrive cars cannot be equipped with sport suspension. This is unlike cars like the Audi A4 which can be equipped with lowered sport suspension which improves it’s handling and dynamics.

The short track was designed to test dynamics and not powertrain performance. Noone needed to leave 2nd gear at any part of the circuit. The course had five sections, starting with a long sweeping turn with a decreasing radius near the end. Following was an emergency braking while turning exercise, an emergency lane change, and a slalom through the cones. The final leg was a full throttle then full braking exercise.

All the BMW’s felt very good in the course, but the 323i was underpowered. It would be a great commuter car but anyone after some serious performance should pass this car over. The 328i performed great, but it was hard to notice the AWD in this course. A wet traction section would show it off some more, especially since BMW bragged that it was the only system that could put 100% of the power to either front or rear axles.

Some of my observations:

• The BMW’s interior is too stark, although the quality of materials is top notch, sitting in the Audi and Mercedes felt a lot better. It was about on par with the Lexus.
• The Lexus IS250 AWD is too burdened with the automatic transmission and AWD drivetrain to be a fun car. A manual IS250 without AWD would be more fun.
• The Mercedes has a great sounding exhaust, and it was only the C300. The C350 must sound fantastic.
• ABS braking is life-saving technology. And every car performed both braking maneuvers flawlessly and some had less aggressive touring tires.

BMW Canada is offering two driving events that compare their 3-series against the competition. On May 27-30 and June 5-7 they will be heading to Downsview park and allow people two hours to test drive their car against the Audi A4, Lexus IS and Mercedes C-class. Granted, many of the competition cars will not be heavily optioned, and usually are run with very crappy tires, but it should prove to be a fun day. To signup go to their website.

Now that BMW offers the 335 in xi trim we have two all-wheel drive tourers from the Germans. The BMW 335xi has a lower list price ($54,100 CDN) but the Audi S5 ($65,900) comes with a lot more standard options. What is the price difference when these cars are optioned out as close as possible?

2008 BMW 335xi Coupe
Base Price: $54,100
Selected Options:
sport pack (18, sport seats) $2000
premium sound $1200
premium pack (garage door, dimming mirrors, lumbar, compass mirror, bmw assist/bluetooth, leather) $3950
servotronic $350
park distance control $450
Options not selected:
navigation $2900
sport seats $800 – already on sport pack
comfort acces $750
rear sunshade $400
bmw assist $1100
usb audio $350
Total Price: $61,700

Audi S5 4.2 quattro
Base Price:
Selected Options:
Audi Care $700
Options not selected:
navigation $3500
Audi navigation system plus with six disc CD changer* $3,500.00
Audi side assist $650.00
Stainless Steel Texture inlays $500
Total Price $66,600

The only remaining difference is that the A5 has 19″ rims standard and the 335i only has 18″ as the largest option. The comparable prices are $61,700 for the 335xi and $66,600 for the S5 – just short of $5000.